Klopp backs Benteke, but calls for patience

We only signed Christian Benteke last summer, but after Klopp was installed as manager in early October, some of the fans were already wondering about his future.

His talent wasn’t in doubt, but there were question marks around how he would fit into Klopp’s all-action, all-pressing tactics.

Now the Echo are reporting that Klopp has come out in support of the big Belgian, but has also called for patience over his injury record and his understanding with his teammates.

“I know a lot about Christian Benteke because when he was at Aston Villa, we were interested too, everyone was interested”, said Klopp. “He’s a brilliant player but like everyone else, if you are injured and come back, everyone thinks now you have to be the Benteke that he has shown he can be straight away”.

Benteke was injured when Klopp first arrived, but has still scored three goals since the German was appointed.

With Sturridge once again ruled out through injury, we’ll presumably be looking to the 24-year-old to follow up his match-winning performance against Bordeaux with another fine performance against Swansea on Sunday.

Most fans think (and hope) Jurgen will go with Coutinho, Firmino, and Benteke as his front three, but although there were hints of Christian and Roberto developing an understanding on on Thursday, Klopp has again asked for patience.

“[Benteke] did not play too often in this formation so it was not so easy with Roberto to close the lines”, he said. “It wasn’t perfect… but with time they can get better and better”.

It clearly vital that we beat Swansea and manage to get some momentum in the league, so perhaps it’s better to play the same front three that lined up against City – with Firmino as the focal point and Lallana on the right – and let Benteke have another week of training with the two Brazilians.